UPSC 2008 General Knowledge Questions with Answers

Explanation

Cristina Kirchner made history by becoming the first elected female President of Argentina, succeeding her husband Nestor Kirchner in 2007. She served as the President of Argentina from 2007 to 2015, leading the country through a period of significant economic and social change.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Orange Prize, now known as the Women’s Prize for Fiction, is a prestigious international award that recognizes and celebrates outstanding fiction written by women. Established in 1996, this prize acknowledges and promotes exceptional literary works by female authors worldwide.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Pulitzer Prize has a different focus and eligibility criteria. It is an esteemed award that honors exceptional achievements in journalism, literature, and music composition within the United States. Administered by Columbia University in New York City, the Pulitzer Prize is not affiliated with the Commonwealth Foundation, nor is it open to citizens of Commonwealth countries for literary works in English.

Explanation

The earthquake in 2007 that led to massive radioactive water leakage occurred in Japan. The incident took place at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant (net capacity of 7,965 megawatts), which is the largest nuclear plant in the world.

Explanation

World Summit on Sustainable Development WSSD (Rio+10) was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, marking 10 years since the 1992 Earth Summit. It focused on balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. Key Outcomes - Affirmed commitment to Agenda 21 and the Millennium Development Goals, leading to the Johannesburg Declaration for global sustainable development.

Explanation

The first desalination plant in India, which produces one lakh litres of freshwater per day based on the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) principle, was commissioned in Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep. This plant was developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

Explanation

Hand-in-Hand 2007’ was a joint anti-terrorism military training exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. This was part of confidence-building measures between the two countries to improve bilateral military cooperation. The only joint military exercise between India and China.

Explanation

Kim Dae-jung, the Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2000, is from South Korea. He was the eighth president of South Korea, serving from 1998 to 2003, and was recognized for his work towards democracy and human rights in South Korea and East Asia, as well as his efforts towards peace and reconciliation with North Korea.

Explanation

The United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference (1944), commonly known as Bretton Woods conference, was held in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA to regulate the international monetary and financial order after the conclusion of World War II. During this conference, agreements were signed to establish the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Explanation

Palitana Temples is a well-known Jain pilgrimage place in Gujarat that is close to Bhavnagar. They are composed of more than 800 finely carved marble temples dedicated to 24 Tirthankars. and are located atop Shatrunjaya Hill. Every pious Jain is obliged to make the Palitana Yatra (pilgrimage) at least once in their lifetime because the temples are regarded as one of the holiest places in Jainism. Many Jain patrons contributed to the construction of these temples over a period of 900 years. Famous Temples in Mount Abu (Rajasthan) Dilwara Temples - A group of exquisitely carved Jain temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries, known for their intricate marble craftsmanship. Adhar Devi Temple - Dedicated to Goddess Durga, built inside a natural cave, requiring 365 steps to reach. Raghunath Temple - A Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its historical and spiritual significance. Famous Temples in Nasik (Maharashtra) Trimbakeshwar Temple - One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located near the origin of the Godavari River. Kalaram Temple - An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama, built entirely of black stone. Sundarnarayan Temple - A Vishnu temple, famous for its unique alignment with the rising sun during the equinox. Kapaleshwar Temple - A rare Shiva temple without a Nandi idol, as it is believed that Shiva himself performed penance here. Famous Temples in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh):

Mahakaleshwar Temple - One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, known for its Bhasma Aarti, where sacred ash is offered to Lord Shiva every morning. Kal Bhairav Temple - Dedicated to Lord Bhairav, where liquor is offered as a ritual to the deity. Harsiddhi Temple - One of the Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Chintaman Ganesh Temple - An ancient temple where Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the "remover of worries".

Explanation

BRIT (Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology) is an organisation under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. It specialises in isotope applications, radiopharmaceuticals, industrial radiography, and radiation processing. BRIT provides radioisotopes and radiation technologies for a range of uses, which are essential to nuclear medicine, agriculture, industry, and research. It supports healthcare by providing radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment and contributes to food preservation, sterilisation of medical products, and industrial testing.